Drafter
Clerk 04/15/2009
Title
A MOTION directing the executive to work in collaboration with the council to seek funding options for the development of a web site that would inform and encourage sustainable practices and promote local businesses.
Body
WHEREAS, King County has long been a national leader among local governments in working on sustainability issues, and
WHEREAS, in these difficult economic times, it is a priority for the county to seek ways to promote the economic vitality of local businesses, and
WHEREAS, efforts to encourage consumers to spend more of their dollars closer to where they live can benefit the local economy of King County and help consumers to minimize their environmental footprints, and
WHEREAS, King County has a range of printed, on-line and in-person resources to promote sustainability. However, this information is not in one place easily accessible to the public, and
WHEREAS, research shows that people may make more sustainable choices when presented with comparative data about the sustainable choices made by their peers, and
WHEREAS, King County has access to numerous data sources that together shed light on the environmental, health, and cost characteristics of our county, cities, neighborhoods and even households, and
WHEREAS, youth are an essential partner in creating a sustainable future for King County, and
WHEREAS, there are many organizations and individuals providing excellent leadership in sustainability and promoting local commerce in King County, and
WHEREAS, the department of natural resources and parks has presented an initial mock up of on-line application that could promote sustainability and local commerce to the King County council's physical environment committee;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. The executive, working in collaboration with the council, is requested to seek funding to develop an on-line resource to promote sustainable practices and local commerce in King County. Such an on-line resource shall be structured with community partners to:
1. Provide streamlined access to localized options for commerce;
2. Motivate change by revealing locally-calibrated information on existing residential behaviors and lifestyle practices;
3. Provide streamlined access to localized options for active and healthy lifestyle choices, and ways to minimize environmental footprints; and
4. Highlight community examples of groups and individuals providing leadership across these factors.
B. In identifying and securing funding options, the executive shall work in collaboration with the council and partner with a coalition of entities interested in sustainability and local commerce including business groups, foundations, organizations promoting sustainability andschools.
C. The executive shall report to the council by July 15, 2009, on the county's progress in identifying and securing funding for this project and a list of funding options
still under consideration. Eleven paper copies of the report shall be filed with the clerk of the council, for distribution to all councilmembers.
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